Yacob briefs Japanese journalists, JICA adviser on Bangsamoro transition

COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Speaker Mohammad Yacob, received a delegation of Japanese journalists and Naoyuki Ochiai, Senior Adviser for Peace and Development in Mindanao of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), during a courtesy visit to the Bangsamoro Parliament on Monday, October 5.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Yacob said the meeting covered recent political developments in the region, including the conduct of the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, as well as the region's economic development and continuing peacebuilding efforts.

The visit also served as a venue to share information on the Bangsamoro's political transition, its development priorities, and the challenges and opportunities facing the region, the post said.

Yacob said engagements with international media allow the region's experiences and ongoing developments to reach a wider audience and contribute to a broader understanding of the Bangsamoro.

The post added that the meeting underscored the importance of continued dialogue and information-sharing in raising international awareness of the region's efforts toward peace, good governance, and sustainable economic development.

Japan has been a longstanding development partner in the Bangsamoro peace process, supporting peacebuilding, institutional capacity development, and socioeconomic recovery in conflict-affected communities.